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< Back Bo Tyler Vocu Bo Tyler Vocu Northern Cheyenne/Oglala Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Bo Tyler Vocu is a member of the Northern Cheyenne and a descendant of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, with deep roots in rodeo culture. Growing up on his family’s ranch on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Bo was immersed in the world of rodeo from an early age. His grandfather, Clinton Small, was one of the most decorated rodeo cowboys of all time, and both his father, Michael, and his grandfather, Dale, were accomplished bull riders. This rich legacy set Bo on a path to becoming a rodeo champion in his own right. From a young age, Bo exhibited a fierce competitive spirit, competing in every event he could at youth rodeos. His passion for rodeo and his determination to succeed propelled him to excel in rough stock events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding—some of the toughest and most dangerous sports in the world. Notably, Bo may be the only rodeo athlete in the nation to have qualified for the Junior High, High School, and College National Finals Rodeos in all three rough stock events. Bo attended New Mexico State University on a rodeo scholarship, where he earned multiple regional titles and contributed to the university’s team championships. His rodeo achievements continued to grow as he qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) every year since 2010, when junior events were first introduced when he was nine years old. He qualified in the junior breakaway and junior bull riding, and captured the INFR Tour Championship in the junior bull riding. At the age of 15 he qualified in the open bull riding for the first time. Bo has qualified for the INFR in all three rough stock events throughout his career. In 2023, he earned the title of World Champion All Around Runner-Up and continues to win titles at many of the top rodeos across the country. Bo’s success extends beyond the INFR; he is also a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) member. In 2024, he finished in the top 50 in the world standings for bull riding and won several professional rodeo titles, including the Xtreme Bulls event in Buffalo, Wyoming. At the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, Bo qualified in saddle bronc and bull riding, ultimately earning the All Around Championship. His sights are now set on qualifying for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, with much more to come in his rodeo career. With a legacy rooted in tradition and a future filled with promise, Bo Tyler Vocu’s rodeo story is far from over. His dedication, skill, and competitive drive continue to inspire fans and fellow rodeo athletes alike. <Back

Dano Thorne Category Coach Tribe Coast Salish Cowichan and Nez Perce Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/18/1961 A First Nations life-long advocate for sport, recreation, youth, and sport from grassroots to international level. A national level coach and coach instructor and founding member national aboriginal coaching modules the first master coach in this program, instructor in national coaching certification program, life skills coach mentor, suicide prevention mentor, physical literacy and multi-sport mentor, technical advisor to national and provincial sports groups and technical advisor and interim board member of world games movement. A lifetime professional commitment to create and develop sports and recreation for youth across North America. As an athlete, Indigenous Team Canada Indoor Soccer 1989-1998, Pro Soccer 1986-1988, Premier League Men’s Soccer 1979-1999, Duncan United Indigenous Men Provincial Champions and numerous MVP honors, and British Columbia (BC) Champions in 1990 and 1991. As a head coach, men’s teams won BC Champions 3 times in 1990, 1991, and 2001 and women in 1992. Men national runner-up 2001, women world champions 2015, 2017, Cuba U20 2019 and women North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) champions in 1993 and 1995. As an advocate and leader including being a board member, NAIG Council, Aboriginal Sport Circle, Team BC chef de mission, Special Olympics North America, National Indigenous Physical Activity Cultural Circle, founder NIFA Soccer Society, member of national sports committee appointed by sport minister and numerous other committees. Awards and honors include five-time BC Coaching Awards, three-time National Coach Awards, first ever Indigenous National Coach of the Year 1999. Graduate National Coaching Institute 1995 and presently completing the Canada Sport Institute Master Coaching Diploma. A two time athlete of the year as Cowichan Tribes Athlete in 1976 and 1979. With his 2015 team world champions he was inducted into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021. Dano has holistic approaches and remembers his cultural teachings of his family and elders. He is recognized for humility and integrity, respect of diversity and working for all people of indigenous ancestry and beyond. Believe who you are and live your dreams to all youth. Dano has been walking the red road for 33 years and enjoys his life daily. Has a strong spiritual belief with the Creator. Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Brent Reiter Brent Reiter Menominee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Brent Reiter attended Shawano High School in Shawano, Wisconsin from 1996-2000 and excelled in both Cross Country and Track & Field. Reiter was state champion in the 1600m run at the 2000 WIAA State Track & Field Championships and state runner-up at the 1999 WIAA State Cross Country Championships. He was a seven-time state qualifier, six-time sectional champion, ten-time Bay Conference Champion, a seven-time varsity letter winner, school record holder in the 1600m run, and led the Hawks to two straight Bay Conference Cross Country team titles in 1997 and 1998. Reiter was named Shawano High School male athlete of the year in 1999-2000. After graduating from Shawano High School in 2000, Reiter attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 2000-2002. He participated in Cross Country, Track & Field, and the Marathon. Reiter was a two-time National Champion, four-time National runner-up, nine-time All-American, an academic All-American, and led SIPI to two straight National Cross Country team titles in 2000 and 2001. Reiter also attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky in 2002-2003. He earned First Team All-Conference honors for Cross Country in 2002. Reiter was inducted into the Shawano Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. <Back

2023 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women Team 2024 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Haudenosaunee won the women’s competition at the 2023 PALA Sixes Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. The Haudenosaunee were dominant in the tournament and defeated previously unbeaten Puerto Rico 22-11 in the gold medal game. The Haudenosaunee finished with a 5-0 record and won by at least 11 goals in every game. Back row left to right: Bean Minerd, Onondaga; Paige Crandall, Onondaga; Tallis Tarbell, Mohawk; Lois Garlow, Seneca; Jalyn Jimerson, Cayuga; Allie Trice, Oneida; Fawn Porter, Cayuga; Liz Beville; and Tim Bomberry, Cayuga. Front row left to right: Paisley Cook, Mohawk; Sierra Cockerille, Mohawk; Avery Doran, Mohawk; Jordan Coulon, Onondaga; Olivia Hoffmann, Mohawk; and Lottie Gill, Tuscarora.

< Back Darren Zack Darren Zack Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Darren Zack is a legendary Ojibwe pitcher from the Garden River First Nation who dominated the softball diamond in the 1990s. Zack was known for throwing change up pitches including the rise, drop, screw and curveballs. In 1974, “Z-Man” began his career with the Garden River Braves at first and third base at just 14 years old. He was sought after internationally by age 19. In 1991, Darren played for the Canadian National Team. The team earned a gold medal at the International Softball Federation (ISF) World Championships in 1992, and two silver medals in 1996 and 2004. He also won three consecutive Pan American Games gold medals with Canada: 1991 in Havana, 1995 in Argentina, and 1999 in Winnipeg. During the 1995 International Softball Congress (ISC) World Championships, he didn’t allow a single run in ten straight games, striking out a record 150 batters. The Toronto Gators won the ISC World Championship for the second time. He was a major part of two more ISC World Championships in 1998 and 2000. He earned the Most Outstanding Pitcher award in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2000. Darren was received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1997 and the Tom Longboat Award in 2000 for his outstanding contributions to sport in Canada. In 2009, he was inducted into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame, and in 2010, he entered both the ISF and ISC Halls of Fame. In 2025 he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. <Back

Onondaga Redhawks 2014 President’s Cup Champions Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Team Roster: Ross Bucktooth-G, Edmund Cathers-G, Cameron Simpson, Lee Nanticoke, Kevin Wilkerson, Andy Jamieson, Pete Benedict, Luke Thompson, Grant Bucktooth, Neal Powless, Wade Bucktooth, Dustin Hill, Dave Stout, Kevin Bucktooth Jr., Trevor Clark, Brett Bucktooth, Hiana Thompson, Mike Abrams, Jeremy Thompson, Vince Thomas, Tyler Hill, Drew Bucktooth, Lyle Thompson, Miles Thompson, Orris Edwards, OAC Manager: Melissa Rank, Trainer: Sonny Shenandoah, Equip. Manager: Emerson Shenandoah, Ball Boys: Gavin Hill and Brett Bucktooth Jr., Coach: Ed Shenandoah, Coach: Brian 'Lab' Phillips, Support Staff: Mike Abrams, GM: Shirley Hill

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< Back Mekwan Tulpin Mekwan Tulpin Cree Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2024 Mekwan Tulpin continues to make HERstory today in both women’s field and box styles alongside an evolving sisterhood at provincial, national and international levels of play. She became the first Mushkegowuk Cree from Treaty 9 Territory to compete on the World Cup stage in lacrosse, while exploring her Belgian roots. As the daughter to Mary Jane Metatawabin and Leo Tulpin, she was born and raised mainly in Simcoe, Ontario. Living on Six Nations of the Grand River territory since 2010 has influenced her continued involvement within this high-impact sport for years to come. Tulpin’s current pursuit looks promising as the designated captain to the Haudenosaunee Nationals team with a roster compiled for evaluations at Utica’s 2023 LAXNAI tournament. Athletes making final selections will compete at an inaugural women’s division within World Lacrosse’s 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championships. With the Grand River Attack, she co-captained seven provincial championship titles over a 12+ year span. This includes being named to an All-Star team the past four consecutive years within Canada’s newly titled premier league, Women’s Major Series Lacrosse. As positive momentum across Turtle Island continues in favour of women’s lacrosse participation, campaigns like #Team88 and #WellnessWarrior, and the Women’s Global Box Lacrosse Network have recognized Mekwan as a lead ambassador for major games events. Throughout the years, the power of sport has instilled a desire to help motivate, raise competencies, and promote confidence-building skills amongst youth, as such were foundational to her own personal achievements, growth, and leadership qualities. Mekwan has been sought for coaching and facilitation opportunities through groups such as Turtle Concepts; Haudenosaunee/Iroquois Lacrosse Program; Anishnaabe Baggadowewin; Great Lakes Cultural Camps; Right to Play; Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario; Canadian Women in Sport; and more are on the horizon. <Back

< Back Brady Fairbanks Brady Fairbanks Leech Lake Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Brady Fairbanks, 2007 graduate of Cass Lake Bena High School (MN), was a Minnesota High School All-State athlete in football and basketball. During his high school career, Fairbanks was a three-year starter on the basketball team leading CLB to an 83-11 record, including 42-0 in conference play. In 2006-2007, he led CLB to the Class A State Championship game where the team came up just shy of victory in a memorable game. Accomplishments include: • Conference MVP (‘06 and ‘07), • Section 6 MVP (‘06 and ‘07), • Honorable Mention State (‘06), • 2nd Team All State (‘07), • McDonald’s All-American Nominee, • Minnesota Native American Athlete of the Year, • National High School Player of the Year (Native Elite Showcase) Fairbanks accepted a full scholarship to NCAA DII Bemidji State University, becoming a starter and earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Transferring to Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) after his junior year, Fairbanks had a historical year becoming the school’s first male athlete to become a NAIA All-American. Accomplishments include: • 7th nationally in scoring (20.9), • 14th in rebounding (6.3), • First Team All-Conference, • Conference New-Comer of the Year, • Team MVP, • 1,000+ Points (Collegiate Career). Photos: Haskell Athletics and Ryan White <Back

Curt Styres Mohawk, Wolf Clan Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back One of the Six Nations of The Grand River's most successful businessmen and the Owner and GM of the Halifax Thunderbirds NLL Team, Styres is a name synonymous with growing the game of lacrosse. He was raised by his mother Vera, who taught him to work hard, take care of your family, give back to your community and be thankful for the gifts you have been given. Styres is passionate about lacrosse and growing the game on and off of his community. In 2004 he opened of the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena located on Six Nations in summer is the home of many local teams and provides a Winter Lacrosse League for youth to continue to grow their skills in the off season. He has given back in many ways, from donating equipment to youth programs and coaching teams himself to multiple Provincial and National Championships. In his previous role as the lead sponsor for the Arrows Express Jr A team, Styres applied his concept of "put the tools in front of the player," resulting in a run of OLA championships from 2004 to 2007 in which year his arena hosted the Canadian Championship for the Jr As, the Minto Cup. Success seems to follow him whereever he goes as the Championships continued with his previous NLL team, the Rochester Knighthawks, who won three consecutive Champion's Cups 2012-2014. In 2011 and 2018, Styres was recognized for his leadership, knowledge, and commitment by the National Lacrosse League and was awarded the honour of the GM of The Year. In 2019 he moved his Rochester Knighthawks, NLL team to their new home in Halifax, Nova Scotia and became the Halifax Thunderbirds. Styres, along with a rotating group of players and supporters, undertook a 92-day canoe crusade from Six Nations, Ontario to deliver professional lacrosse to Nova Scotia by way of a wooden lacrosse stick in his hands. He strives for greatness in everything he does, keeping the values his mother taught him close to his heart and remaining grounded in the community he loves.

< Back Madison Lavergne Madison Lavergne Métis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Madison Lavergne is Métis and was a member of the two-time NCAA DIII National Hockey Championship University of Wisconsin-River Falls team. The Falcons won in back-to-back seasons in 2023-24 and 2024-25. She is currently a senior on the team. As a junior in the 2024-25 season, Lavergne was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She played in all 31 games with 30 points off 10 goals and 20 assists. She earned the WIAC Player of the Week and Falcon of the Week honors. As a sophomore in the 2023-24 season, Lavergne was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She played in all 31 games with 16 points off 10 goals and six assists. She scored four game-winning goals, including the game-winner against Gustavus Adolphus in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. She was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. She also earned WIAC Player of the Week and two-times Falcon of the Week honors. As a freshman in the 2023-24 season, Lavergne was named an AHCA All-American Scholar. She also was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll, Lavergne played in all 29 games with 28 points (14g-14a). She scored a hat-trick against UW-Superior and was named the Falcon of the Week one time. Madison Lavergne joined the Falcons as a forward from Warroad, Minn. where she played for the Warroad High School hockey team. As a senior, she was her team’s captain and helped lead the Warriors to a Minnesota State Tournament Championship and finished the season with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points. She was named to the All-Conference team as a junior and senior, and was on the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Katie and Rene Lavergne, and she is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. <Back

Athena Aitken <Back Anishinaabe/Hocąk Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2024 Athena Aitken was born and raised in Northern Minnesota and is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. In her high school years she was a tri-sport athlete competing at varsity level in volleyball, track and field, and golf. At age 16 during a Student Ambassador trip to New Zealand and Australia, Aitken fell in love with the sport of rugby and decided to play in college. Beginning her rugby career at Colorado State University, she played as a utility forward for two seasons before transferring to a university closer to home. Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) had a thriving women's club rugby team where Athena played as a tight-five forward for four years. In 2012 after graduating from MSUM with a Bachelors in Anthropology, Aitken wanted to stay involved with rugby since most collegiate clubs at the time were player-led and coached. She took the USA Rugby coaching certification and became a volunteer coach for MSUM Women's Rugby. In her first year coaching the team reached their second-ever post season playoff game, but lost. The next year the team progressed to regionals before taking their first loss of the season. In 2014 MSUM Women made their first appearance at Nationals in New Jersey, placing third. 2015 saw the team win every game they played, culminating in a National Championship title in South Carolina. Since their title the MSUM Women's team has enjoyed post season play to the regional level every year, in addition to their appearances at Nationals in Georgia in 2018 and 2019 placing fourth and third respectively. Aitken takes pride in teaching the bruising sport of rugby to collegiate athletes that have never seen or heard of the sport. In all her years at MSUM she has coached a total of two players with previous rugby experience. With such a short time to teach new players an entirely new game she has to lean on their previous sports experience and empower them with physical and mental tools to succeed.